Celebrating a century of maritime history
Outline programme
Friday 3rd June 2011
13:30 ~ 17:00. Delegate registration at Holiday Inn, Belfast.
13:30 ~ 17:00. Exclusive opening tour
Harland & Wolff - Builders of Titanic & Nomadic (provisional).
A century on from their "White Star" glory days the legendary firm of H & W is still pioneering new fields of heavy industry. Delegates will be treated to a rare glimpse behind those hallowed gates which have become a Mecca for all fascinated by the Titanic legend. We will learn how the shipyard has evolved, marvel at the largest shipbuilding dock on earth and get up close and personal with the world famous Samson & Goliath, the monstrous, record breaking, landmark cranes of the City. A rare trip to Titanic heaven!
18:30. Lord Mayor’s Grand Reception at Belfast City Hall.
Wine reception and a tour of this incredible building, Belfast’s stone Titanic.
21:00. Delegates welcome event at Belfast’s Holiday Inn hotel.
Greetings and news from the Committee. Chat, relax and enjoy the buffet.
Saturday 4th June 2011
07:30 ~ 09:30. Breakfast
10:30 ~ 13:00. Centenary Celebration tours
S.S. Nomadic, a century in service (restoration permitting).
Delegates will be escorted on an exclusive tour of S.S. Nomadic, last surviving member of the White Star fleet and built specifically to serve the Olympic class liners. We will see what the wealthiest Titanic passengers would have experienced along with the conditions of those in steerage. This is a journey back in time which for many has proven very emotional.
Historic Harland & Wolff Headquarters ~ Queen’s Island
This is where Nomadic, Titanic and more than 1500 of history's greatest liners, naval warships and countless other seagoing vessels were planned and designed. Hallowed ground for those with a love of maritime history.
R.M.S. Titanic Dry Dock and Pump house
Completed in 1907 the Thompson dock was the largest graving dock in the world. The statistics, even to this day, boggle the mind. The pump house was able to empty all 21,000,000 gallons of water in 100 minutes! This is the very dock where Titanic last entered the water. An awesome spectacle.
14:30 ~ 17:00. Discover Belfast/Historic Pub tour
Delegates will have an opportunity to relax or use this free time to explore Belfast at leisure. Those wishing to experience the city’s rich history can take a guided walking tour (£7 Per Person). This 2 hour stroll covers many landmarks including the historic Crown Liquor Saloon (limited availability). There will also be maritime market stalls at the hotel throughout the day.
19:00. Champagne reception at Belfast’s Holiday Inn hotel
20:00. S.S. Nomadic Centenary Gala Dinner
Our 3rd formal Gala event is hosted by the Holiday Inn Hotel and features fine food, great entertainment, guest speakers and one or two surprises! We have organised an unforgettable, fun packed evening for everyone with modern and traditional Irish dancers, special celebrity hosts and even a themed disco . We will also be squeezing in our traditional Charity Raffle with opportunities to win exceptional prizes such as a VIP hospitality day out for six at Down Royal Racecourse, a weekend break for two plus evening meals at the idyllic Killyhevlin hotel in the beautiful lakelands of County Fermanagh. There are also cases of wine up for grabs, special souvenir prizes and even a trip to the top of Goliath, the legendary Harland & Wolff crane. Formal dress will be de rigueur and we look forward to greeting you at this, our unmissable, signature event for 2011.
Sunday 5th June 2011
07:30 ~ 09:30. Breakfast
10:00. Maritime history boat trip
Stepping back in time with the Lagan Boat Company
Starting day 3 of our exciting itinerary, we take to the waters of Belfast Lough on a special Centenary trip exploring the historic docks, slipways and landmarks of Belfast harbour. We will learn about the history of the Port and stop to reflect at the very spot where S.S. Nomadic and her big sister, R.M.S. Titanic first entered the water one hundred years ago.
14:30 ~ 17:00. Heritage farewell tours
Historic Belfast tour including Sinclair Seamen’s Church
Located in the heart of "Sailor Town", this unique place of worship is a shrine for Mariners. The Church has incredible links with history and the sea, even the pulpit is fashioned as the prow of a ship. Not to be missed.
Belfast Harbour Commissioners
The Belfast Harbour Commissioners continue a tradition which stretches back over centuries. Delegates will be privileged to a tour of their stately Victorian headquarters which is home to the "Titanic Captain’s table", built for the doomed liner, but completed too late for the maiden voyage.
We hope to meet many of you on board Titanic's little sister !
The NPS Team
www.nomadicpreservationsociety.co.uk
